Boredom sets in and they may take it out on their feathers or just become listless.
They have nothing to do without toys and it affects their state of mind. These are very intelligent creatures and they require stimulation and enrichment.
Toys also provide more than just something to do. Interacting with a toy not only stimulates their minds, it keeps them active and engaged physically.
Birds were made to be active and physically move around, not just sit on a perch all day.
Birds in the wild are constantly on the move, flying, hopping from tree limb to rooftop, foraging for food and even playing.
Yes, birds in the wild do indeed play.
They play not only with objects but they interact with other birds as well.
They also have other instincts that lead to play-like activities. Birds have a natural instinct to gnaw on wood as well as bark leaves and other objects. This instinct is what gives them the necessary urge to build nests and create nest hollows in trees as well as foraging for food.
In the wild they have been observed flinging twigs around, stripping bark off of twigs and tree limbs, bathing in puddles, hanging upside down and swinging as well as playing tag; all play activities.
What do toys do for birds in captivity
is provide an outlet for these natural play activities. By interacting with their toys, they are acting on their natural urges to chew, to toss things around and to dig and scratch.
It keeps them moving and stimulates their minds.
Toys provide an outlet for them to remain active even while in their cages or on their play gyms. The chewing action helps keep their beaks in top condition and the physical interactions keeps their muscles strong and in good condition. Birds are naturally active and they simply need this activity to stay in good shape. This use of their muscles and tendons provides exercise and activity that they naturally would get in the wild. Exercise also keeps their bones in shape as well as burning off calories. Just as a child gets exercise by being outside and running around playing, this play time with toys is important for their wellbeing.
Toys of different shapes and colours as well as a variety of textures provide interest, entertainment and give your companion bird a “job” so to speak.
Does your bird ever get aggressive?
Sometimes birds in breeding condition tend to get a little feisty due to excessive hormones racing around in their systems. This natural aggression needs to go somewhere so toys are an ideal and safe outlet for them to take out their aggression so she doesn’t keep it built up. Giving her this outlet may just lower that aggression.
Most birds are naturally independent and enjoy making choices for themselves. Toys not only keep your birds busy, they provide those choices and can install confidence. A parrot can make decisions in her life such as what toy to play with and how to play with it.
Toys don’t even need to be all that complicated. How many times have you seen a child playing for hours with nothing but a box? Amazingly, even the simplest of objects can inspire some very imaginative play.
Along with giving them toys to play with is ensuring you keep an eye on the condition of the toys. Toys are meant to be played with chewed on, thrown around and banged so it is only natural that toys get worn out. So being vigilant about frayed cords and material, cracked plastic or anything else that might injure your bird is all a part of keeping your bird safe.
Hazardous or unsafe items should never be accessible to your bird. Toys should also be kept clean and fresh. This isn't always easy, but keep them as clean as you can.
Yes, birds in the wild do indeed play.
They play not only with objects but they interact with other birds as well.
They also have other instincts that lead to play-like activities. Birds have a natural instinct to gnaw on wood as well as bark leaves and other objects. This instinct is what gives them the necessary urge to build nests and create nest hollows in trees as well as foraging for food.
In the wild they have been observed flinging twigs around, stripping bark off of twigs and tree limbs, bathing in puddles, hanging upside down and swinging as well as playing tag; all play activities.
What do toys do for birds in captivity
is provide an outlet for these natural play activities. By interacting with their toys, they are acting on their natural urges to chew, to toss things around and to dig and scratch.
It keeps them moving and stimulates their minds.
Toys provide an outlet for them to remain active even while in their cages or on their play gyms. The chewing action helps keep their beaks in top condition and the physical interactions keeps their muscles strong and in good condition. Birds are naturally active and they simply need this activity to stay in good shape. This use of their muscles and tendons provides exercise and activity that they naturally would get in the wild. Exercise also keeps their bones in shape as well as burning off calories. Just as a child gets exercise by being outside and running around playing, this play time with toys is important for their wellbeing.
Toys of different shapes and colours as well as a variety of textures provide interest, entertainment and give your companion bird a “job” so to speak.
Does your bird ever get aggressive?
Sometimes birds in breeding condition tend to get a little feisty due to excessive hormones racing around in their systems. This natural aggression needs to go somewhere so toys are an ideal and safe outlet for them to take out their aggression so she doesn’t keep it built up. Giving her this outlet may just lower that aggression.
Most birds are naturally independent and enjoy making choices for themselves. Toys not only keep your birds busy, they provide those choices and can install confidence. A parrot can make decisions in her life such as what toy to play with and how to play with it.
Toys don’t even need to be all that complicated. How many times have you seen a child playing for hours with nothing but a box? Amazingly, even the simplest of objects can inspire some very imaginative play.
Along with giving them toys to play with is ensuring you keep an eye on the condition of the toys. Toys are meant to be played with chewed on, thrown around and banged so it is only natural that toys get worn out. So being vigilant about frayed cords and material, cracked plastic or anything else that might injure your bird is all a part of keeping your bird safe.
Hazardous or unsafe items should never be accessible to your bird. Toys should also be kept clean and fresh. This isn't always easy, but keep them as clean as you can.
In young birds, playtime is part of the learning process in which birds start to identify textures, colours, shapes and it also helps to develop coordination and dexterity. Exposure to a wide variety of objects at a young age helps to create a more confident less fearful bird
Toys provide an outlet for natural aggression and an opportunity to expend energy through exercise. Instead of directing aggression towards their owners they can instead direct their aggressions towards the toy by shadow boxing, flapping and swinging.
Playtime helps to foster better mental health and a sense of independence. Birds provided with a variety of toys are less self-absorbed and exhibit fewer negative behaviour's such as:
- Feather picking and self-mutilation
- Screaming for attention
- Fear of unknown objects
- Aggressiveness towards humans
- Destruction of household furniture, moulding, etc
this is Bella and Bert's little play area, is nothing to fancy but it keeps them very busy, chewing wood and playing with toys
Toys promote exercise and therefore physical health and longevity. Birds who play by climbing and swinging on their toys reap the benefits of increased movement. Playing with and or chewing toys also helps with beak and nail conditioning. These activities also provide for "off-perch" time and flexing which helps with dexterity and foot health.
Confinement of parrots without providing outlets for exercise, entertainment, comfort and mental challenge will result in boredom, depression, poor physical health and ultimately in an unsuitable pet!
Your bird should own a wide variety of toys but remember it is important to rotate the toys in and out of the cage weekly to stimulate curiosity and prevent boredom.
Ask any busy bird mum why toys are important for her children and she will gladly tell you that they can keep their little ones occupied and happy ‘out of their hair’ for a bit.
flight time
flying time helps keep your bird healthy and happy, they enjoy time spent outside their cages in safe environments where they can exercise and explore.
budgies need exercise and socialization *sorry if I'm repeating myself* time to stay healthy, birds who never leave their cages become overweight and start to develop illnesses over time, as we know budgies live in flocks in the wild, so they should *must* spend time out of the cage to allow them to fly around for an hour or so.
I found this image on google images, I don't have any photos of my two in mid flight and they wouldn't be as perfect as this.
Certain safety precautions should be taken before allowing your budgie to fly around the room. Eliminate any possible hazards so that they can fly safely. A few common things to look for are:
· all windows and mirrors so that they don't fly into them.
· Make Cover sure all doors and windows are closed and that family members know not to open them.
· Remove other animals (dogs, cats) from the room.
· Remove any poisonous plants
· Turn off ceiling fans and regular fans and make sure there are no hot surfaces such as heaters or stoves.
· Remove or cover any containers with water or liquid including fish bowls or aquariums.
· Hide or unplug electrical cords and remove anything that could harm your budgie if he were to chew on it.
Ideally, budgies shouldn't be left to fly around unattended. They are curious and playful and can get themselves into dangerous situations even when we've tried to make everything as safe as possible. It is recommended that your budgie be finger trained before flying outside of the cage. There may be situations where you need to return them back to their cage and being able to have them step onto your finger or a perch helps immensely.
Many budgies see their cages as their home and as a safe haven. Some will fly around the room but always return to the cage in between flights. Others will be more bold and want to explore. At first, some budgies will be confused and may not be able to find their way back to the cage.
If your budgie won't or is unable to return to his cage when it's time to return, don't chase them. Move slowly and gently and if all else fails, dim the lights. Budgies are reluctant to fly when there isn't enough light and it will be easier to gently place them back into the cage.
If possible, set aside a specific time each day when you can let your budgie fly and stretch his wings. With patience and consistency, budgies can learn to fly skilfully around a room and return safely to their cage. this where a play gym can come in handy a place for them to land and play.
The recommend flight time and play time out side of the cage is an hour or more daily, it’s a little bit more difficult if you’re working or out for the day, when I'm home Bella and Bert are out from 10:00 and till 8:00pm so they are 2 very lucky birds, they nap during the day up on the curtain rail, if I'm working they have 2 hours flight time before I head to start the evening shift, if I'm out for the day they will come out in the evening for an hour or two depending on the time just to stretch their wings out then off to bed.
Too often I am seeing on Instagram& Facebook of owners just leaving their birds sat on a perch all day long with no toys to play with, if your birds can’t come out to paly due to other pets you may have or are not tamed or just don't allow them out, just ensue they have plenty of things to keep them busy, otherwise you will end up with a very sad and depressed bird that could potentially die!!!!
